Olympus is developing a new, fast moderate wide-angle lens for the Micro Four Thirds system, featuring a maximum aperture of f/1.8 plus depth-of-field and distance indicators. These come into play when the lens is set to MF mode, enabling users to utilise the time-honoured technique of zone focusing, which is great news for street photographers. More than a full stop faster than the existing Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 (read review), the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 features the faster MSC (Movie & Stills Compatible) auto focus mechanism and is expected to be of similar quality as the well-regarded Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12mm f/2 lens launched earlier this year. Note that this is currently at the development stage and more details will be announced nearer the launch.

Update: Have a look at our gallery of 22 hands-on photos!

Olympus Press Release

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 17mm 1:1.8

This is an extremely bright, large-aperture, high-resolution lens and a must-have for anyone looking to capture exceptional images on the spur of the moment. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 17mm 1:1.8 is packed with the same advanced optical technologies that have proved so successful on other high-end Olympus lenses, including the silver version of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm 1:2.0 ‘Street Photography’ lens launched earlier this year. Attractive circular bokeh is a common strength, with none of the off-axis aberration or colour fringe effects that can otherwise spoil your shot. Both lenses also make it especially easy to set the depth of field for stills with intentional background blurring. Snapshot specialists will appreciate built-in depth of field and distance indicators that show the distance at which objects are in focus, so you can focus instantly without having to look at the camera display. These indicators come into play in Manual mode, which you activate by pulling back the focus ring.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:1.8 lens is currently at the development stage and more details will be announced nearer the launch.

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